Controlling mechanism.



No. 871,205. I PATENTED NOV. 19, 1907.

' H. w. CHENEY.

CONTROLLING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 28. 1906. I

2 BHEETS-SHEBT 1.

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INVENTOR Herbert (Cheney m roremzyg:w

HERBERT \Y. CHENEY, l XORWOOD,

(".ORIYURA'FIOX' ()l" PANY, CORPORATION Oi" OHIO.

OHIO, ASSlGNOR TO ALLISCHALMERS COMPANY, A NEW .lliltblfli', AND THE BULLOCK. lilil'ltl'lltlll .\l.\NL FAOTUHINU COM- CONTROLLING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 19, 1907.

Application filed June 28. 1906. Serial No. 323C789.

'1 0 all whom it may concern Y Be it known that l, Hnmnurr L CnENnY,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Norwood, in the count of Hamilton and State of Ohio, llfifl't invented certain new and useful improvements 1n (lontrolhng Mechan' ism, of which thel'ollo'wing is a lull, clear,

and exact specification.

My invention relates to controllers for electric motors and particularly to rcsistance startersfor induction motors. Ileretofore it has been common to provide means for preventing a starting controller from being moved too rapidly. Sometimes, however, for reasons hereinafter explained, it is desirable to prevent the controller from being moved too slow}, especially in start ers for induction motors, and one of the objects of'mv invention is to provide means for doing this.

Another object of my invention is to provide means for breaking the main circuit of tho-motor in case an; one of several unde sir-able things happen, such as a too. rapid or too slow movement of the controller, or an,

overload on the motor.

Another object is to provide a novel intcrlocking means whereby the current-admitting switch cannot be moved unless the regulating switch is 'in proper position for such movement.

A further object of my invention is to providc, in connection with my starting device, an oi crload magnet which is more sensitive during normal running than during starting.

. A still further object of my invention is to provide a novolforn'i of dash-pot.

.Uther objects ol my invention will appear hereinafter.

In one aspect my invention comprises a controflcr, means for breaking the circuit if the controller is moved too siowl ,ln amorc specific aspect my invention comprises the combination of a current-admitl in'g switch, a regulating switch movable step by step, and means for tripping the current-admitting switch if the time interval between its closing and the first step of the regulating switch or lretwcen successive steps ol" the regulating switch is above a predetermined value.

Still more specifica ly m invention coinprises the combination of a current-admitting switch, a rcsistahcc-"am ing switch movl l l l l l l l l l l l able step by step, a lever movable in one direction by the closing of the eurrenta-dmit ling switch andby each step of the resistance-varying switch, a spring for returning said lever to its normal position to trip the current-admitting switch, means for retarding the return movement of said lever, and an overload magnet for tripping said ourrent-admitting switch when the load on the motor exceeds a predetermined limit.

In another aspect my invention comprises an induction motor, a starting resistance in the secondary thereof, means for cutting out said resistance, an overload magnet for breakingthe primary circuit thereof it the current exceeds a predetermined value during starting, andnieans for increasing the sensitivcness of said magnet alter the starting resistance has been cut out. I in still another aspect my invention comprises an induction motor, a switch for admitting current to the prnnary thereof, a starting resistance in the secondary thereof, a switch for gradually cutting out said resistance, and means whereby the current-admitting switch is tripped if the resistancevarying switch is moved at less than a predetermined speed in the direction to cut out resistance, or is moved in the other direction beyond highest resistance position, and means for prm'enting the closure of the current-admitting switch unless the whole starting resistance isin circuit.

From another point ol" view, 'mji' invention consists of a dash-pot forming part of my improved controlling device, which comprises an outer tube, an inner tube spaced lrom said outer tube to form an annular chamberbetween them, and a piston mova le in said inner tube.

From still another point of view my invention consists of a d ash-pot especially 'ada ted for use in connection with a starting switch, which comprises a cylinder, .a piston and piston rod slidable therein, said piston rod )eing provided with an opening, and a tube litting around said rod and having a cut away portion for adjusting the effective size of said opening.

Other features of my invention will pear from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings, and will be specifically sot lorth in the claims.

Figure 1 shows the various features ol my invention, partly diagrammatically. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of my novel form of dash-pot. Fig. 3 is an elevation {of the pis- N ton rodand surrounding tube of the dash- 5 t taken at right angles to the view shown 111. 1. transactionaltrance-1 of Fig. 2.

Referring more articularly to Fig. 1, the 'motor to be contro led, here shown as an induction motor is denoted by 5, the primary or stator winding of the motor being supplied through an oil switch 6. The secondary or rotor winding of motor is connected to a starting resistance 7 arranged to be short- 15 circuited or otherwise cut out by means of the bar 8 slidable over the contacts 9 of the resistance 7. This resistance is shown as being star connected in order to agree with the windings on the rotor, but it is obvious that if the rotor windings are delta-connected the resistance can be connected to correspond. The lowermost contacts?) for each part of the resistance 7 are-shown longer than the other contacts for a purpose to be hereinafter explained.

The switch is operated by means of a handle 10 pivoted on a shaft 11. This handle 10'is one arm of a complex lever, another arm 12 ofwhich is connected to the operating rod 13 of the switch 6, a third arm 1 1' of which forms a latch plate, having a shoulder 15 with which a latch 16 on arm 17 of an inverted T-shaped lever engages, to hold the switch 6 in closedposition, the arm 17 being drawn towards the left by means of a spring 18. There is a fourth arm 1.9 of this complex lever, the cam-lil e end of which when moved in one direction engages with a pawl 20 on lever 21 to force said lever 21 downwards, but when moved in the other direction, by reason of a hinge 22 slides over said roller 20 without moving it. The'lever 21 is attached to a rod 23 which in turn is fastened to the cylinder of dash-pot 24, the piston 57 of said dash-pot being. held lirmly against movement. 'lhisdash-pot is constructed to allow free downward movement of the .rod 23, but to retard the upward movement thereof, the structure of the dashpot being explained hereinafter. The handle 10 is also provided with an are-shaped ex tension 25 which has a 1mm, ,er of notches 26 with which the pawl 27 is arranged to engage at certain times to prevent movement of said handle 10 to the left. v

A. second handle 23 is pivoted on shaft 11, and arranged to opera ethe resistancevarying bar 8 by means ol' a rod 21) and arm 30, the latter of which is integral with said handle 28. Also integral with the handle 28 is a notch plate 31'. The sides of the notches of this plate form cams which engage the roller 20 of lever 21 to operate the dash-pot 24 in the same manner as arm 19 The handle 28 is shown in the position in I which all the resistance is included in the rotor circuit, this position being marked a. It can be moved forward into positions I), c, (1, etc. to its running position It at which time the whole starting resistance 7 is cut out. These positions are marked on the drawing for-the resistance varying rod 8 as well as for the li'andle28 and also for the parts of the notch plate which'cooperate. with roller 20. There is another position, marked 'r, for this handle 28 into which said handle is moved in order to cause the arm 30 to engage with a projection 32 on an arm 33 of the T-shaped lever of which latch-arm 17 forms the upright. This engagement causes latch 16 to be moved away from shoulder 15 thus alloW- ing spring 34, which extends from arm 14 to lever 21, to open switch 6. The positionr is therefore the releasing position.

Ext-ending from notch plate 31 is a projection 35 arranged to engage an arm 36, integral with pawl 27. The parts 35 and 36 are in engagement, and pawl 27 is raised when the handle 28 is in position (1 as shown, at which time the handle 10 is tree to move to close the switch 6. If the handle 28 is in any ol" positions I) to it, the parts 35 and 36 are out of engagement and pawl 27 rests against eX- to. ion 25, and unle switch 6 is fully closed, engages in one of tllu notches 26 to prevent movement of handle .10 to the left. Parts 35 and 36 are also in engagema'nt when the arm .23 is in position 1', hut-at such time, although the arm 10'canho moved to close switch t"), .it will not remain in such position alter being released h the hand because of the non eugagement hetwrrn latch 16 and SllOllldil 15. llateh 16 is movable aw a from shoulder 15 by the eugagr-nui'nt ol' lever 21 with the arm 37 of the T-shaped lever 17, such an engagement. brlweeu the parts .21 and 37 taking place whenever the arm 21 under the influence of the spring 34 caches a predetermined point in its upward movrn'ient. There is also an overload magnet 38 which by acting on arm 33 as its armature under certain conditions moves latch 16 out of engagement with shoulder 15, this overload magnet does. The last of the cams, which acts as 41 from resistance varying barS.

The handle 28 is freely mow able from positions g to c, L. 0., 1n thebackward direction. from position g, but in moving in the forward direction from any position, or in the backward direction from positions 'h and a, it is necessary that a latch 42'be lifted out of the notches in plate 42*" with which it cooperates.

The operation of the system is as follows. ii the handle 28 is in position 1' or a the handie 10 can be moved'to close the switch 6, though said switch will not remain closed when the hand is removed from handle 10,

if the'handle 28 is in position 1". If handle 2b is in position (L, however, the switch 6' in ii remain closed because of the engagement.

which occurs between latch 16 and shoulder 15. 'If the handle 28 is in any of positions I) to h, the handle 10 cannot be moved to close' switch 6, the several notches 26 being provided to prevent closure of said switch should the handle ll) forany reason not be in full oil position when an attempt is made to close it while the handle 28 is in one of positions Z) to h. Assuming thatth'e handle 28 is in ppsition a and the switch 6 is closed by moving handle Y10 and locked closed by catch .16, the closing movement of handle 10 causes the end of arm 19 to engage roller 20 to move the arm 21 and dash-pot 24 downward. The

lever 21 immediately begins to moveupward; under the influence 0t spring 34, but is retarded by the dash-pot 24. If the lever 21 reaches a predetermined point at or near the steps of the resistance varying handle '28 are made without allowing time enough between any two smccessive steps for the; arm 21 to reach or approach too near to its uppermost position, the switch 6 remains closed, but if helm-en any two successive steps more than a predetermined time r lapses, the switch.6 is tripped and it is necessary to move the: imn 2f; back to position (1 in order to again close Fold switch. i The purpose ol this construclion is this. The starting resistance may not be FlllllCltIlllf heavy to stand the heavys-ztarling current, or indeed oven-the normalrunning current, for any considerable length o'l time. There is also danger, especiall with a heavy load on llu' motor, that the nioior will not start i'nunodiately upon eloring the switch (5, and that 'thr attendant would leave the switch (3 elo'srd and th haudle 2H iir'onc ol llx star! ing posit-ions w hili: he

investigah d, H this i dloi-o the switch (i ls autim atically opined iii-lore the hrav} slatting current can do an) damage to llumotor.

1.. the handle 28 is moved l'orwnrd loo rapidly, too great a current will flow in the primary. winding of motor 5, non-Short-ci'reuited coils of overload magnet will atlract the armature 35 to trip the switch 6, thus necessitating a movement of handle 28 to its position a before said switch can be again closed. However if the arm 2s is moved forward neither too rapidly nor too slowly, the motor is successfully started and when the resistance 7 has been ,fully cut out the switch 40 is automatically opened, thereby substantially doubling the efi'ective windings of magnet T he switch 6 w ill now be tripped at any overload upon the motor 5, but the current required for this overload. during normal running is less than the. current required for an overload during starting, ihus allowing the use of the large current which is always required at starting, espcciallyit' the motor is s1 anim; under load.

If iii is desired. to stop the 1notor5, this can be done either by moving the handle 28 engagement between parts 30 and 32 to trip ulled to the rightto cause said tripping.

' uring the backward movement o l' the handle 28 the roller 20 clears the tops of the cams of the-notch plate 31. -'lhc'long lower contacts 9 of resistance 7 arelor the pur -poseof allowing the handle 28 to move between positions a and 'r' without varying the resistance 7. i The dash-pot 24-is constructed of an outer tube 44 in which is a tube 45. has holes .46 'near its upper end and cut-away orti'ons at its lower end tolorm supports 47. Secured into the up er end of tube 44 a head 48 provided llill holes ll) for pouring in the fluid of the d ash-pot, and a corner hole or hearing 50 in whiel-i'thc piston rod slides. Secured into the lower end ofiube 44 is a head 51 integral with which is a SlIlllllQIdHPild. or disk. 52 which liis closely in the end olihc inner lube The heads 51. and 52 are joined by a neck 5 ?,.lhe head 52and neck 53 being drilled as show nin Fig. 4'. The upper surface-of disk 52 forms a seat for a ball 54 which is retained in place by guards 55.

threads. to um piston rod 57. Drilled in the piston rod 57 is a passage 58 connecting I.o -gei'fher the spaces at the tw o sides of the piston. The upper opening of this passage is adjustable by means otube 59.which may. be turned through -1-8() around' the tube around the rod causing a greater or less closure ol' the. passage 58 because of the lube 51). 'lhis dash-pot allows a freeups w u rd movement of the piston or a free-(low nwurd movement ol lhc cylinder, the oil or.

and the upper or' 'switch 36, or the handle 43 on arm 17 can he The tube 45' The piston 56 isattachoihns by screw piston rod and fastened in any desired posilion by a scrcw on, the movement ol ihe.

oblique (ill-2t ay pari (1] at the lower end (ii-- back-to release position therebycausing an the chamber at the lower side of the piston 56.

"lhe downward movement of the piston 56 or the upward movement of the c "linder is retarded because of the seatin o the ball 54 on its seat, the fluid below the piston ber ing able to reach the other side only by passing through the small opening 58 in the piston rod.'. j

As herein described and shown, the regulating or resistance-varying switch never breaks the circuit, but 'for some kinds of motors to which'certain features of my invention are applicable, it might be desirable to have this switch 'break the circuit. The term highest resistance position as herein used is intended to cover both the position of highest resistance in those cases where the circuit is not broken, and the oil position or position of infinite-resistance when the circuitis broken.

It is obvious thatmany equivalents of the various arts shown and described may be used it iout departing from the broad spirit oTthe invention, and all of these equivalents are intended to be covered by the following clalms.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In combination, analternating current motor, a current-admitting switch in the primary circuit thereof, a resistancein the secondary circuit thereof, means for varying said resistance, and means for tripping the current-admitting switch if the resistance-varying means is'moved too rapidly.

2. In combination, an alternating current motor,-a currcnt-admitting switch in the primary circuit thereof, a resistance in the secondary circuit thereof, means for varying said resistance, and means fortripping the current-admittingswitch if the resistancevarying means is moved too slowly.

3. In combination, an alternating current motor, a current-admitting switch in the primary circuit thereof, a resistance in the secondary circuit thereof, means for varying said resistance, and means for tripping the current-admitting switch if the resistancevarying means is allowed to remain for more than a predetermined time in other than its position of lowest resistance. r

4. In combination, an induction motor. a current aihnitting switch. therefor, a resistance in the secondary circuit of the motor, means for varying saidresistanw, and means I fortripping the .currelit-admitting switch-if the resistance-varying means is moved either too rapidly or too slowly.

5. In combmation, an induction motor, a switch for admlttmg current to the prnnary member thereof, a starting resistance in the circuit of the secondary member thereof, means for gradually cutting out said resistance, and means for tripping the current-admitting switch it the resistancevarying means is moved at less thana predetermined speed.

6. A controller for electric motors comprising a current-admitting switch, a regulating switch, means for tripping the currentadmitting switch if the regulating switchis moved too slowly, and means for preventing the closing of the current-admitting switch it the regulating switch is not in highest resist'ance position. I

7. A controller for electric motors comrising a current-admitting switch, a reguating switch, means'for tripping the currentadmitting switch if the regulating switch is moved either too rapidly or too slowly, and means for preventing the closing of the current-admitting switch if the regulating switch is not in highest resistance position.

8. In combination, an induction motor, a current-admitting switch therefor, a resistance in the secondary circuit of the motor, means for varying said resistance, and means for tripping the current admit-ting switch if the resistance-varying means is moved too slowly or if an overload occurs on the motor.

9. A controller for electric motors com rising a current-admitting switch, afregue ating switch, means for tripping the currentadmitting switch if the regulating switch is moved too slowly or if an overload on the motor occurs, and means for preventing the closing of the current-admitting switch if the regulating switch is not in highest resistance, position. a 1

10. In combination, an induction motor, a current-admitting switch-therefor,a resistance in the secondary circuit of said motor, means for varying said resistance step by step, and means for tripping the c'urrentadmitting switch if the time interval between its closing and the first step of the resistance varying means is too great and if an overload occurs on the motor.

11. In combination, an induction motor, a current-admitting switch therefor, a resist ance in the secondary circuit of said motor, means for varying said resistance step I step, and means for tripping the current-a mitting switch if the time interval between its closing and the first step of the resistancevarying means or between successive steps 7 'of the resistance-varying means is above a predetermined value or if an overload'oceurs on the motor. 4

12. In a controller for electric motors, a 125. current-ad]hitting switch, a resistance-varying switch movable ste by step, a lever movable in one direction b the closin of the current-admitting switc and by. 'eac step of e the resistance-varying switch, a spring for returning said lever to its normal position to trip the current-admitting switch, andmeans for retarding the return movement of said lever.

13. in a controller for electric motors, a resistanee-varying switch movable s ep by step, a lever biased in one direction, but mov able in the otherdirection by each step oi the resistmice-varying switch, means for retarding the movement of said lever in thelirst direction, and means for breaking the motor circuit when said leverreaches a n'edeter mined point in its movement in sait first direction. i

'14.- ln a controller for electric motors, a currcnt-ailmitting switch therefor, a resistance-varying switch movable step by step, a

lever movable in one direction by the closing o' the current-admitting switch and by'each step of the resistance varying switch, a spring for returning said lever to its normal position to trip the ciirrent-admitting switch, means for retarding the return movement of said lever, and an overload magnet for tripmined point in its inovcnicnt in said first (li- 1"(lltHL and an overload magnet for tripping" said current-atlmittiug snitch if the load on the motor exceeds a predetermined limit.

lb. ln a contro llcr for electric motors, a currcn't-admitting switch thcrel'or,'a resistance-varying switch movable ste by step, a lever movable in onc direction by the closing ol the current-mlmit-ting switch and by'cach step 'ol t he l'csis] ante-varyingswitch, a spring for returning said lever to its normal position to trip' the current-admitting switch, means l'or retarding the return movement of said lever, and :in ox'erlond.magnet which trips the current-admittingswitch'il' the current supplied to the motor exceeds 'a pretlctermincd amount during the starting of th motor or exceeds a siii':illci prctletcrmincd amount during the normal runningol'the motor.

17. In a controller for electric motors, a resistance-Varying switch movable step by step, a lever biased in one direction, but moy able in the other direction by-cach step of't'he resistancc- *arying switch, means for retard-.

ing the movement of said lever'in the first direction, means for breaking the motor circuit when said lever reaches a predetermined point. in its movement in said lirst direction,

and an overload mngnct which trips the cur-.

rent-admitting switch it the current supplied to the' motor exceeds a predetermined amount during the starting of the-motor, or exceeds a smaller predetermined amount during the normal running of the motor.

15.111 a controller for electric motors, a -resistance-varyin switch, a series of cams movable with said switch, a lever actuate/din one direction by said cams, a spring for returning said'lover, a dash- )ot attached to said lever and so constructed that the return movement only of said lever is retarded, and

means for breakin the circuit when said leswitch if said lever reaches a predeterminer point in its return movement.

20. In combination, an intluction motor, a switch for admitting current to the primary thereof, a starting resistance in'the secondary thereof, means for cutting out said resist ance, an overload i'nagnet for tripping said current-admitting switch if the current rises too high, and means for increasing the sensitiveness of said overload magnet when thestarting resistance has been fully cut out.

21. In combination, an induction motor, a starting resistance in the secondary circuit thereof, means for out 1 ing out said resistance,

- an overload magnet for breaking the primary circuit thereof if the current exceeds a prede termined value/during starting, and means for increasing the number of turns on said magnet after the starting resistance has been cut out. v I

22. In combination, an induction motor, a

starting resistance in the rotor circuit the-reof, means for cutting out said startingre sistance, an overload magnet for breaking the primary circuit thereof it thecurrent therein exceeds a predetermined value (ll lr. ing starting, a short-circuitaroundpart of the winding of the overload magnet, and means for opening said short-circuit when the starting resistance has been fully out out.

In combination, an induction motor, a switch 'for admitting current to the primary thereof, a starting resistance in the secondary thereof, means for cutting out said resistance, an overload magnet connected and arranged to trip said current admit-ting switch when the current in the primary circuit of said motor rises above a certain predetermined value, a -hort-cirouit arouml substantially half of the windings of'said overload magnet, and means whereby said short-circuit is broken when the starting resistance has beenfully cut out.

24. In combination, an induction motor, a

switch for admitting current to the primary thereof, a switch f r varying the resistance in the secondary thereof, and means whereoy the movement of said resistance-varying switch back of the position where the full resistancefis cut 111 trips the current-admitting switch.

25. In combination, an induction motor, a startingresistance in the secondary thereof, a switch for gradually cutting out said resistance, and means whereby the primary circuit of the motoris broken if the resist ance-varying switch is moved too slowly in the directio n ,;to cut out resistance or is moved in the other direction beyond highest resistance position.

26. In OOiIlbiDtttlOll, an induction motor, a starting resistance in the secondary thereof,

a switch for gradually cutting out said resistance, and means whereby the primary circuit of the motor is broken if the resistance-varying switch is moved too slowly in the direction to cut out resistance or is moved in' the vother direction beyond highest resistance position, or if an overload on the motor occurs.

2'7 In combination, an induction motor, a switch for admitting current to the primary thereof, a starting resistance in' the secondary thereof, a switch for gradually cutting out said resistance, and meansflwhereby; the' current-admitting switch is tripped ifthe I resistance-varying switch is moved at less position,-or if the current in the primary c'ircult of the motor rises too high.

29. In combination, an induction, motor, a starting resistance in the seeondar thereof, a switch for gradually cutting out said resistance, means whereby the primary circui t of the motor -is broken if the resistance-varying switch ismoved too slowly in the direction to cut out resistance or is moved in the other direction beyond highest resistance position, and means whereby the primary circuit of the motor cannot be closed unless the whole startingresistance is in circuit 30. In combination, an induction motor,!&- starting resistance in the secondary thereof, a switch for gradually cutting out-said resistance, means whereby the primary circuit ol' the motor is broken if the resistancevarying switch is moved too slowly in the dithe other direction beyond highest resistance position, or if an overload on the motor occurs, and means whereby the primary circuit of the motor cannot be closed unless the whole starting resistance is in circuit.

switch for admitting current to the primary thereof, a starting resistance m the secondary thereof, a switch for gradually cutting current-admitting switch is trip ed if the resistance-varying switch is mover at less than a predetermined speed in the direction to cut out resistance, or is movedin the other diand means for preventing the closure of the current-admitting switch unless the whole starting resistance is in circuit. I

32. '-In combination, an induction motor, a switch for admitting current to the primary I thereof, a starting resistance in the se'cond-.

rent-admitting switch is tripped if the resistance-varying switch is moved at less than a predetermined speed in the direction to cut out resistance, or'is moved in the other direction beyond highest resistance position,

motor rises too high, and means for preventing the closure of the current-admitting switch unless thewhole starting resistance is in circuit.

33. A dash-pot comprising an outer tube, an inner tube spaced from said outertube to form an annular chamber between them, a piston and piston rod movable within said inner tube, said piston rod being provided with a passage connecting the spaces at the opposite sides of the piston, and a tube fitefl'ect-ive size of said passage, thereby permitting'the dash-potto have 'a uniform retarding action throughout its range.

In testimony whereof I ailix my signature, in the presence of two witnesses. HERBERT \V. CHENEY.

Witnesses:

GEo. B. ScnLEY, FRED J. KINSEY.

ary thereof, a switch-for gradually cutting out said resistance, means whereby the currection to cut out resistance or is moved in 31. In combination, an induction motor, a

out said resistance, and means whereby the reetion beyond highest resistance position,

or if the current in the primary circuit of the t ng closely around said rod for adjusting the 

